The object of my choice is a small teacup with a matching saucer. On the exterior of the teacup, there are cute light pink roses that offer a vintage look. The rim flaunts a gorgeous gold, though it’s a little worn out from years of use. My mom tells the story of the cup:

She tells me, “When your Dad first brought me here, I felt alone. Without my parents, I just felt so lonely. Eventually, I begged your Dad to help me find a job. This way, I could spend my time meaningfully and make some money too—I needed it anyway for when I brought your grandparents here. The first job I got was a dishwashing position at an Indian restaurant. My boss was Bengali, so it was easy for me to communicate. However, it didn’t last very long because I was still recovering from rheumatic fever. After a while, I got a job as a salesperson at a local antiques store. The owner of the store, Sumi, was also Bengali, but she was much kinder to me. She taught me how to sell to customers, and gave me discounts as well. I still remember the hospitality she had shown me when I was at the most vulnerable point in my life. Anyways, I bought this tea set from her store. I think I was eight months along with you, so it made no sense for me to buy a tea set since I stopped drinking tea until after you stopped breastfeeding. Fortunately, your grandparents arrived here by that time and we’d drink tea every evening just as we did in Bangladesh.”

Just as my mother and I have been doing, I hope one day I can share this with my daughter, using the same teacup and coaster I cherish today.

– SI

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant